The Kenya Navy is seeking to deepen maritime security and defence cooperation with the Republic of Korea and Japan as Kenya moves to strengthen its capabilities in safeguarding the country’s maritime domain.

The engagements were held separately on August 11 at Kenya Navy Headquarters in Mombasa, bringing together senior Kenyan naval officials and defence representatives from the two Asian countries.

The talks focused on strengthening bilateral defence relations, enhancing maritime capabilities, building institutional capacity and identifying new areas of sustained naval cooperation.

The Deputy Chief of Mission and Counsellor at the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Kenya, Lee Woochul, and the Korean Defence Attaché to Kenya, Lieutenant Colonel Kim Seha, paid a courtesy call on Commander Kenya Navy Major General Paul Otieno.

The meeting reaffirmed the strong relations between Kenya and South Korea, with both sides exploring opportunities to expand cooperation in the maritime sector.

Particular emphasis was placed on strengthening naval cooperation between Kenya and South Korea through capacity building, technical support and the sharing of knowledge and expertise.

Later in the day, Japan’s Defence Attaché to Kenya, Commander Nishoka Terumichi, held a separate meeting with Major General Otieno at the Kenya Navy Headquarters.

The discussions with the Japanese delegation focused on strengthening cooperation in maritime capability development, including the adoption of appropriate technologies to improve maritime domain awareness and the Navy’s ability to respond to emerging security challenges.

The engagements also examined opportunities to leverage the Blue Economy as a platform for sustainable economic growth while supporting security, stability and prosperity across the maritime domain.

The visiting delegations also toured various departments of the Kenya Naval Training College and the Kenya Navy Hospital, where they received briefings on their operations, functions and capabilities.

The Kenya Navy said sustained engagement with international partners remains important in enhancing operational readiness, institutional capacity and the sharing of expertise and technology.

The cooperation is also expected to support Kenya’s broader efforts to secure its maritime space while promoting the sustainable development and protection of its ocean resources.

The engagements come as maritime security threats continue to evolve, increasing the need for stronger international partnerships, improved maritime surveillance and greater capacity to protect strategic ocean resources and economic activities.

Through partnerships with countries such as South Korea and Japan, the Kenya Navy aims to strengthen its contribution to a secure, stable and prosperous maritime environment in Kenya and the wider region.